What term is used to describe plant and animal species exclusive to the Western Ghats and not found anywhere else?

Endemic

The correct answer is Option (1) -Endemic

The term used to describe plant and animal species that are exclusive to a particular region and not found anywhere else is "endemic."

"Biodiversity hotspots"  regions are known for high levels of species richness and endemism. These areas have exceptionally high levels of biodiversity, meaning they support a wide variety of plant and animal species. Additionally, they are home to a significant number of species that are found nowhere else on Earth, known as endemic species. Biodiversity hotspots are crucial areas for conservation efforts as they harbor a large proportion of the world's unique and irreplaceable species. Protecting these regions is essential to safeguarding global biodiversity and preventing species extinctions.